Best 4K Blu-Ray Player for All Budgets in 2023

Although streaming sites such as Netflix, Hulu, and Vudu have risen in popularity, physical media still reigns supreme for home theatre enthusiasts. Nestled under my Hisense H8F smart TV, I’ve got a Blu-ray Player, DVD/VCR combo, Nvidia Shield TV, and a LaserDisc player. And while watching VHS tapes or LaserDiscs on a 4K television might be a bit out of the ordinary, playing 4K UHD Blu-rays isn’t. Although the majority of current streaming services feature 4K video quality, with certain providers such as Disney+ even including Dolby Atmos audio and Dolby Vision HDR for select titles, there’s no beating a physical disc. Check out the best 4K Blu-ray players for all uses and budgets!

Why Should You Buy a 4K UHD Blu-ray Player – Is it Worth Buying a 4K Blu-ray Player?

In an age where disc drives have become a rarity on both laptops and desktops, why should you buy a 4K ultra high definition Blu-ray player? For both cinephiles and audiophiles, 4K Blu-ray players boast top-tier audio and visual quality. Using a disc instead of a streaming service means you’re not reliant upon an Internet connection. Netflix recommends at least a 25 megabits per second (Mbps) connection for streaming its Ultra HD titles. And if you’re streaming multiple 4K movies or shows concurrently, you can expect a bogged-down Internet connection.

Even if you’re streaming at maximum quality with a Netflix UHD video, the top bit rate is around 15.6 megabits per second. Compare that to the average of 100Mbps for a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. But the benefits of a 4K Blu-ray player aren’t limited to video. Whereas streaming services utilize compressed audio tracks, most 4K Blu-rays handle lossless soundtracks in formats such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. Moreover, 4K UHD Blu-rays are actually region-fee or region 0 so you can buy imports without worrying, unlike most standard Blu-rays and DVDs that are region-locked.

Many streaming services have begun to roll out 4K streaming, but video and audio codec support is a jumbled mess. Often, to take advantage of Dolby Atmos audio, you’ll need not only a compatible surround sound receiver and streaming service, but a device capable of handling that audio. While Dolby Atmos is available on the Xbox One Netflix app, it’s not available on Amazon Fire TV, Roku, or Nvidia Shield TV Netflix apps.

But if you’ve got a compatible Blu-ray player, you should be fine. With a 4K UHD Blu-ray player, you’ll achieve a 3840×2160 pixel image, with twice as many lines as 1080p or 1920×1080 HDTV. Furthermore, you can take advantage of high dynamic range or HDR, a video standard that allows for higher contrast ratios for an enhanced visible difference in dark and light portions of a screen. You’ll HDR10 and Dolby Vision as popular HDR standards, with HDR10+ rolling out as a Dolby Vision competitor. Personally, I prefer Dolby Vision over standard HDR10 if available, but both look superior to non-HDR content. Ultimately, it’s definitely worth buying a 4K Blu-ray player so that you can enjoy the best possible video and audio quality from home videos.

Why buy a 4K UHD Blu-ray player:

• 4K resolution of 3840×2160 with twice as many lines as 1080p
• Lossless audio soundtracks available on disc but not streaming (i.e. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X)
• Higher bitrate than streaming services
• Not reliant on an Internet connection
• Top-notch audio/visual (A/V) experience

What to Look for in a 4K Blu-Ray Player

When selecting a 4K Blu-ray player, you’ll want to consider a few different criteria.

Inputs/outputs: Consider how you plan to connect your 4K UHD Blu-ray player to your TV or projector. The most common connector is an HDMI cable. Dual HDMI outputs are beneficial. It’s common on many 4K Blu-ray players to find two HDMI ports, one typically for just audio. This lets you connect your Blu-ray player to a legacy soundbar or receiver that doesn’t support 4K video. That way, you can enjoy the best visual and audio quality. For instance, before upgrading to my current Dolby Atmos soundbar, I had a home theatre receive that lacked 4K video passthrough. By using the audio-only HDMI output on my Blu-ray player, I was able to get a 4K picture on screen while still piping uncompressed audio to my sound system.

Audio and video codecs (i.e. HDR support): On the A/V side, think about what audio and video standards you need. While virtually all 4K Blu-ray players support HDR10, you might also want Dolby Vision, HDR10+, or HLG support. Depending on your audio setup, you might want DTS:X or Dolby Atmos compatibility.

Streaming capabilities: Although it’s best to have a separate streaming device, whether standalone or a smart TV, you might desire a 4K Blu-ray with streaming functionality. Think about what apps such as Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube you want to stream from.

Upscaling performance: Upscaling is important too, as you might not be able to find, or want to purchase, 4K UHD Blu-ray replacements for each of the DVDs and Blu-rays currently in your collection.

4K Blu-ray considerations:

• HDR support: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
• Audio codec compatibility (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, etc.)
• Streaming support
• Upscaling capabilities
• Price
• Number of HDMI outputs
• Internet connectivity

Panasonic DP-UB820 – Best 4K Blu-ray Player Overall

The Panasonic DP-UB820 is an excellent Blu-Ray Player. You’ll find Dolby Vision disc support, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG support covering the gamut of high dynamic range standards. There’s a solid contingent of streaming apps available including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Its onboard HDR optimizer successfully handles details that are too bright by reducing the brightness of HDR highlights for enhanced viewing. For Dolby Vision, the DP-UB820 automatically enables and disables this on a per-disc basis. The Panasonic DP-UB820 is my Blu-ray player of choice. In my testing, I found performance absolutely stunning, from its slient operation to quick disk loading and outstanding audio/visual capabilities.

Onboard, you’ll find two USB ports capable of playing high res audio files. Moreover, the DP-UB820 boasts a 192kHz 32-bit digital-to-analog converter as well as 7.1-channel analog audio outputs. As such, the Panasonic pairs a top-shelf audio experience with best-in-class video. There’s a front display panel and analog stereo audio jacks for legacy devices.

The remote is adequate, but nothing to write home about. However, that’s par for the course. While it’s not the most expensive 4K Blu-ray player, the DP-UB820 runs around $400 USD. If you can live without a few features such as Dolby Vision or a front-panel display, the cheaper DP-UB420 still boasts a well-rounded feature set. Overall, the Panasonic DP-UB820 is an excellent 4K Blu-ray player that handles a wide spectrum of HDR standards, rocks a ton of audio and video outputs, while offering superb HDR optimization.

Pros:

• Lots of HDR standards (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG)
• Automatic Dolby Vision switching
• Analog outputs
• Dual HDMI outputs
• Pair of USB ports capable of playing high-resolution audio
• 192kHz, 32-bit digital-to-analog converter
• 7.1-channel analog audio outputs
• Front panel display
• Wi-Fi

Cons:

• Basic remote, no backlighting

Best High-end 4K UHD Blu-ray Player – Panasonic DP-UB9000

The Panasonic DP-UB9000 is an outstanding high-end 4K Blu-ray player. Sporting an attractive aluminum casing, the DP-UB9000 features a dual-layer chassis for vibration and noise reduction. Its disc drive is center-mounted with a steel plate to further limit vibration. Boasting a slew of audiophile amenities, the DP-UB9000 includes a pair of XLR balance outputs, RCA connections, and a 7.1 multi-channel analog audio output along with a pair of HDMI ports. You’ll find Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ support.

Panasonic’s proprietary Hollywood Cinema Experience (HCX) image processing engine touts an HDR optimizer plus improved tone mapping. Oddly, especially considering its focus on cinephiles and audiophiles, the DP-UB9000 lacks SACD and DVD-Audio compatibility. Additionally, streaming support is pretty small, and limited to just Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Unsurprisingly considering its premium build quality and performance, the DP-UB9000 doesn’t come cheap. Still, if you want a fantastic Blu-ray player with exceptional tone-mapping, 4K upscaling, and HDR optimization as well as plenty of audio outputs, the DP-UB9000 is a terrific choice.

Pros:

• HCX Hollywood Cinema Experience processing engine with improved HDR tone-mapping
• Support for 4K @ 60Hz
• Excellent connectivity: 2 x HDMI outputs, 2 x USB ports with support for up to 4TB hard drives, 7.1 analog audio outputs, balanced audio XLR output, RCA output, TOSLink optical audio output, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
• Aluminum construction – great build quality
• Centered disc drive to reduce vibration and noise
• Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG HDR support

Cons:

• Pricey
• Limited streaming service support
• Lacks DVD-Audio and SCAD compatibility

LG UBK90 – Best Budget 4K Blu-ray Player

Packed with HDR and Dolby Vision compatibility as well as dual HDMI outputs, the LG UBK90 sports a rich feature set at an affordable price. Although there’s no display on the front of the unit, a USB front-facing USB port is standard. On the rear of the device is an Ethernet jack and optical audio output. 1080p and SD upscaling is great with no noticeable activating or aliasing. 4K HDR content looks lovely, with Dolby Vision displaying gorgeously. In addition to physical discs, the UBK90 can run a few streaming apps such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. Audio processing is magnificent, and overall operating of this 4K Blu-ray player is responsive.

As a budget-oriented 4K UHD Blu-ray player, the LG UBK90 lacks a few features commonly found on mid-range and high-end units. Absent are any analog outputs, though stereo downmixing via the Toslink optical port works perfectly. Fewer streaming apps are available than on other 4K Blu-ray players. There’s no HDR-to-SDR conversion or universal disc support. HDR10+ isn’t available, but the strangest quirk is that the UBK90 requires manually toggling between 24p and 60p refresh rates. Otherwise, you might witness some judder. Still, as a no-frills UHD player, the LG UBK90 is an affordable budget 4K Blu-ray player.

Pros:

• Dual HDMI outputs
• Dolby Vision and HDR10
• Ethernet jack
• Toslink optical audio output
• Front USB port
• Excellent 1080p upscaling
• Wi-Fi

Cons:

• No automatic 24p and 60p refresh rate switching
• Lacks a front-facing display
• No universal disc support
• Small streaming app library

Best Mid-range 4K UHD Blu-ray Player – Sony UBP-X800M2

With its PlayStation 3 video game console that launched, Sony truly helped to popularize the Blu-ray format. Oddly, the PlayStation 4 doesn’t include a 4K UHD drive, but Sony makes a solid performer in its UBP-X800M2. Dual HDMI outputs, a coaxial digital audio output, and an Ethernet port are all standard. There’s Bluetooth built-in for connecting headphones and other peripherals. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube are available on the apps front. HLG, HDR10, and Dolby Vision are supported, but strangely the UBP-X800M2 lacks Dolby Atmos audio for Netflix and Dolby Vision for Amazon Prime. Also absent is HDR10+.

Yet Sony graces the UBP-X800M2 with DVD-Audio and SACD support. Strangely, you won’t find automatic HDR10 and Dolby Vision switching, so you’ll have to manually select which HDR standard you want to use. But the picture truly wows. Pumping out a crisp, detailed image, Sony’s UBP-X800M2 sports a lush image with fantastic 4K playback and 1080p upscaling. Aside from a few shortcomings, the main pitfall of the UBP-X800M2 is its reliability. Users reported lockups, so it seems the Sony is a bit of a crapshoot. But you can do a whole lot worse than this Sony 4K Blu-ray player.

Pros:

• HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi
• Ethernet
• Dual HDMI
• Coax digital audio out
• Excellent 4K performance and 1080p upscaling
• SCAD and DVD-Audio support

Cons:

• No automatic HDR10 and Dolby Vision switching
• Netflix lacks Dolby Atmos audio, no Dolby Vision for Amazon Prime
• Average reliability

Best Region-free 4K UHD Blu-ray Player – LG UBKM9 

If you’re a hardcore cinephile, you may want a multi-region Blu-ray player. Although all 4K UHD Blu-rays are region-free, most Blu-rays and DVDs are region-coded. A region-free Blu-ray player will play any disc, regardless of region. The LG UBKM9 is the best region-free 4K Blu-ray player on the planet. You’ll find HDR support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Audio codecs such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, and DTS-HD Master Audio play just fine. There’s Ethernet and Wi-FI onboard along with dual HDMI outputs. 3D Bly-ray playback lets you watch 3D movies. Unfortunately, you’ll pay a premium for the LB UBKM9 because it’s region-free. And sadly, streaming services are pretty sparse. Still, if the LG UBKM9 is the best multi-region 4K Blu-ray player for most people.

Pros:

• 4K UHD Blu-ray compatibility
• Blu-ray region A, B, and C support – region-free
• DVD multi-region 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 playback
• 4K video upscaling
• HDR (HDR, HDR10, Dolby Vision)
• Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos
• Streaming service support: Netflix, YouTube
• 3D Blu-ray support
• Dual HDMI outputs (one audio-only for connectivity with legacy audio receivers and soundbars)
• Wi-Fi and Ethernet

Cons:

• Limited streaming capabilities

Microsoft Xbox Series X – Most Versatile 4K Blu-ray Player

Whereas most 4K Blu-ray players only handle video playback, the Microsoft Xbox Series X plays games. Admittedly, it’s a game console first and Blu-ray player second. But considering its streaming and gaming capabilities, the Xbox Series X is hands-down the most versatile 4K Blu-ray player on the market and the best 4K Blu-ray player for gamers. There’s Dolby Atmos audio compatibility and 4K HDR video output. Real-world performance is impressive, with the Xbox One X matching up well against 4K Blu-ray players from the likes of Oppo and Panasonic. Details remain vivid, with details crisp and colors accurate if not a little warm.

Still, the Xbox Series X isn’t perfect. Although the Series X does feature the Dolby Vision HDR standard for both games and streaming apps such as Netflix and Disney+, the Xbox Series X lacks advanced HDR such as Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for 4K Blu-rays. Coupled with a vast library of games and great backwards compatibility, the Xbox Series X is a fantastic video gaming and multimedia hub. Alternatively, the Xbox One X though superseded by the Series X remains a solid 4K Blu-ray player that can game comfortably in 4K. Similarly, the Xbox One S, while limited to 1080p gaming, can pump out 4K for Blu-ray playback.

Pros:

• Plays games
• HDMI input and output
• Wi-Fi
• Ethernet
• 4K HDR
• Lots of streaming apps
• Dolby Vision for streaming apps and games

Cons:

• Requires a Blu-ray app for disc playback
• Dolby app needed for Dolby Atmos
• No Dolby Vision support for Blu-rays
• Remote sold separately (game controller works just fine for playback control though)

PlayStation 5 – Best 4K Blu-Ray Player for Gamers

Sony’s PlayStation 4 curiously didn’t include 4K Blu-ray playback. Enter the PlayStation 5 with its 4K ultra HD Blu-ray capabilities. The PS5 is a phenomenal gaming machine. Armed with an impressive lineup of exclusive games, the PlayStation 5 is a stellar gaming machine that can play 4K UHD Blu-rays. Sony has even marketed some discs as “PS5 Essentials.”

Unfortunately, the PS5’s HDR implementation is inconsistent. Whereas the Xbox Series X does support Dolby Vision for streaming apps and video games, the PlayStation 5 doesn’t support Dolby Vision at all. It’s possible that a future firmware update might bring HDR10+ and Dolby Vision later on, although it’s curious that the PS5 doesn’t support either high dynamic range standard already.

When the PlayStation 2 launched, Sony included a DVD drive which served as a selling point for the ultra-popular PS2. Not only was the PlayStation 2 a fantastic game console, but it offered DVD playback out of the box, unlike the Nintendo GameCube which lacked a DVD drive (only the Panasonic Q could play DVDs) or the original Xbox which required a remote (sold separately). Likewise, the PlayStation 3 packed a Blu-ray drive which helped justify its high cost as well as contributed to Blu-ray’s dominance over HD-DVD in the format war. Microsoft opted for HD-DVD support with its Xbox 360 but only as an add-on. Oddly, the PS4 ushered in 4K HDR video output for games and apps yet didn’t come with a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive. But with its UHD disc support, the PS5 is one of the best 4K Blu-ray players on the market.

Pros:

• Large video game library
• 4K HDR video output
• UHD Blu-ray support
• Lots of streaming apps

Cons:

• No Dolby Vision or HDR10+ support even for games and streaming apps

Best 4K Blu-ray Players FAQs

The Best 4K Blu-ray Players on the Market – Final Thoughts

Ultimately, if you’ve got a 4K TV or projector, the question isn’t whether or not you should purchase a UHD player, but rather what’s the best 4K player for your needs. The Panasonic DP-UB820 is an all-around solid performer that fuses a premium feature set with a modest price tag. If you can live with its quirks, the LG UBK90 is a great no-frills 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player that won’t break the bank. Opting for an Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 gets you a multipurpose machine that’s capable of playing games as well as 4K UHD discs, albeit without advanced HDR support. If you’re a cinephile and audiophile that needs the absolute best, the Panasonic DP-UB9000 is the way to go.

Your turn: What 4K Blu-ray players do you recommend, and what 4K UHD Blu-rays are you watching?